Estimating Population Size and Drag Sampling Efficiency for the
Blacklegged Tick (Acari: Ixodidae)
Quote- "As part of a long-term study to monitor relative tick
abundance patterns throughout the year, we con-
ducted drag sampling, in which a 1-m2 panel of white
corduroy is pulled along the ground and over vege-
tation (Falco and Fish 1992) on a “permanent” grid
established in 1987. The grid, measuring 3,600 m2 (60
by 60 m), was sampled 1Ð3 times weekly from late
March through mid-December, as weather permitted.
However, as the numbers of nymphs and larvae in-
creased in the late spring and summer months, re-
spectively, and again in the fall when adults become
active, permanent grids were sampled three times per
week to ensure that the week of peak abundance
could be determined accurately.
For each sample, 500 m2 of area was dragged by randomly selecting
transects through the study grid. Ticks found clinging
to the cloth were removed with forceps, then stored
for later identiÞcation and counting. Mean weekly
densities (ticks per square meter) were calculated and
plotted to determine the seasonal distribution of each
tick stage (e.g., Fish 1993).
Once peak abundance was attained, population estimation
sampling was initiated on a second grid located 100 m distant.
Routine drag sampling continued on the permanent grid while pop-
ulation estimation sampling was conducted strictly on the second grid."
Full Article
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted-sites/acarology/saas/e-library/pdf000200/a000112.pdf